Holiday investments

It is the season of giving again.  It is also the time to pamper yourself after a long year of hard work. As defined in economics, luxury items are considered elastic.  This means it is unaffected by social and economic factors that may consequently affect the sales of mass-market products. Regardless of what is happening to the country, the interest in iconic products based on superbly skilled artisans from only the best materials does not decline.  Another form of forgetting problems — if only for a fleeting moment — is to experience impeccable, attentive service.  It is more evident at this time of year since ’tis the season to shop. Shopping is also a diversion from our mundane routines and desperate political circumstances.  When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping!  But spend wisely.  Invest only in keepers.  Remember that quality is more important than quantity. Here are keepers for you or for your special someone.

Big Time

Necessity does not necessarily mean boring.  Who does not need a watch?  Although despite having watches, many Filipinos manage to be late for everything.  This drives me crazy!  Please, one makes a difference.  If everyone’s attitude is, “I will wait anyway, so I choose to be late,” no one will ever be on time.  Think of it this way: if you hate to wait, don’t do it to other people.

For a time, the Swiss watch industry faltered after the surge in the market of accurate but inexpensive quartz pieces from Japan.  Thanks to Nicolas Hayek, the Swiss tradition is being kept alive by competing with the Japanese.  “I decided to attack the Japanese — not in the luxury segment, where the Swiss always did — but at the lower end of the market, where the Swiss were zero.  That’s where I decided to launch Swatch,” Hayek has said.

The success of the technology to develop ultra-thin quality yet cost-effective quartz wristwatches made Swatch a cultural phenomenon in the Eighties.

One of my favorite watches is the diamond-studded Swatch Skin released in a limited edition last year.  I have been wearing it every day and even use it for evening events.  I appreciate the contradiction of precious and elegant yet informal and fun. 

The Lustrous Bliss Swatch was so in demand that they made versions in pink and blue sapphires with straps to match.  “We offer fashionable, stylish and elegant models that appeal to customers looking for the distinctive Swatch look and feel,” said Klaus-Peter Mager, head of their PR International Events.

Audemars Piguet’s first ultra-slim, self-winding tourbillon wristwatch with a movement measuring only 4.8 millimeters in height has become the most popular high complication watch among collectors. 

Another icon in the industry is Patek Philippe.  Watches made by Patek Philippe are among the most beloved, desired and sought after in the collector’s world.  Starting in the 1990s, they launched several of the most complicated and impressive wristwatches.  One of “the masters,” as it’s called by collectors, is the Sky Moon tourbillon, a double-faced, minute-repeating wristwatch with a retrograde perpetual calendar on one side and the orbital moon phases and star chart on the other side. In the world of haute horology, this is my dream watch.

Depending on your budget, I would highly recommend investing in a men’s watch.  The watch industry is more serious about the engine of these designs and they will surely last a lifetime.

Romancing The Stone

’Tis certainly is the season to be merry.  How else to make the woman happy but with her best friend — real gems, if not diamonds?  The choice of your best rock is limitless.  Now, more than ever, jewelry is fun and bold.  Bulgari’s new Elisia collection, featuring white and yellow gold with enamel, coral, mother of pearl and an assortment of colored gems and diamonds in elliptical forms, is sophisticated and feminine.  Bulgari was able to reinvent traditional forms in modern design.  The collection best suits women’s fast-paced lifestyles now.  The pieces may be worn during casual-chic jeans moments, or drop-dead-gorgeous cocktails.  Invest only in established designers. Colored stones make dressing up fun yet worthwhile.  Real jewelry will always be keepers.  

Holiday ornaments do not necessarily mean burning your money.  There are vast choices of brands based on your spending power.  Part of the fun is the hunt.  Make sure you have seen everything before you decide to indulge.

Tailor-Made

Nothing can compare to made-to-measure.  Italian clothier Ermenegildo Zegna introduced menswear’s first made-to-measure program, creating custom-made suits from preexisting sized patterns in 1979.  

And who does not know James Bond’s tailor-made Brioni suits?

For us ladies, there are a number of reputable designers here for made-to-order dresses, although we are lucky that ready-to-wear is now so well made.  Technology has greatly helped the industry.  Many brands offer couture designs and tailoring in their boutique collections.

Holiday Ornaments

Structured bags are all the rage again.  Elegance is back.  Rigid fasteners, bold geometric lines in luxurious leather define the look.  The allure of the Forties diva is taking center stage.  Sophisticated shoes complete the look.  To further emphasize the look, invest in ladylike gloves, standout hats and striking belts.  The classic influence of this trend will surely make your purchases keepers.

Make your holiday shopping worthwhile. Indulge in something you really desire. I prefer to save and purchase something I can keep for a lifetime than splurging on countless things that are forgettable. 

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Send queries and suggestions to j@joyceorena.com.